Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services at Bowie State University

Bowie State's computer science program demonstrates something unusual: graduates who start near the national median ($58,006) see their earnings jump 36% within four years to $78,762—well above what most programs deliver. This trajectory matters more than the initial salary suggests, especially when graduates leave with just $30,000 in debt, creating a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio that puts this in the 24th percentile nationally (meaning lower debt than three-quarters of similar programs).

The Maryland context here is limited—only two institutions report data for this program statewide—but Bowie State matches the state median on both earnings and debt while serving a population where 44% receive Pell grants. The 60th percentile state ranking combined with strong upward momentum indicates this program delivers competitive outcomes for students who might not have access to more selective institutions. That 36% earnings growth suggests graduates are securing positions with advancement potential, not just entry-level roles.

For families evaluating computer science programs, this represents solid return on investment. The debt load won't constrain career choices, starting salaries cover living expenses in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, and the earnings trajectory shows real progression. The moderate sample size warrants attention to individual program details, but the fundamentals—reasonable debt, competitive starting point, strong growth—align well for a practical CS degree.